[Fetal malnutrition assessment program].

OBJECTIVE: To study the application of ponderal index (PI), body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference/head circumference (MAC/HC), and Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status (CANS) score in assessing the nutritional status of neonates at birth, and to find a simple and reliable scheme for the assessment of fetal nutritional status. METHODS: PI, BMI, MAC/HC, and CANS were used to assess the nutritional status of full-term infants and preterm infants shortly after birth. The assessment results of these methods were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 678 full-term infants, 61, 102, 47, and 131 were diagnosed with malnutrition by PI, BMI, MAC/HC, and CANS respectively. Among the 140 preterm infants, 30, 87, 9, and 112 were diagnosed with malnutrition by PI, BMI, MAC/HC, and CANS respectively. The combination of BMI and CANS had a detection rate of 99.3% in full-term infants and 100% in preterm infants. Compared with the single method, the combination significantly improved the detection rate of malnutrition (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the combination of BMI+CANS and the combination of PI+BMI+CANS (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of BMI+CANS can reduce the rate of missed diagnosis of fetal malnutrition. It is therefore a simple and reliable method for the assessment of fetal malnutrition.

Fetal malnutrition-induced catch up failure is caused by elevated levels of miR-322 in rats.

If sufficient nutrition is not obtained during pregnancy, the fetus changes its endocrine system and metabolism to protect the brain, resulting in a loss of body size. The detailed mechanisms that determine the success or failure of growth catch-up are still unknown. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism by which catch-up growth failure occurs. The body weights of rat pups at birth from dams whose calorie intake during pregnancy was reduced by 40% were significantly lower than those of controls, and some offspring failed to catch up. Short-body-length and low-bodyweight rats showed blood IGF-1 levels and mRNA expression levels of IGF-1 and growth hormone receptor (GHR) in the liver that were lower than those in controls. The next generation offspring from low-bodyweight non-catch-up (LBW-NCG) rats had high expression of miR-322 and low expression of GHR and IGF-1. The expression of miR-322 showed a significant negative correlation with GHR expression and body length, and overexpression of miR-322 suppressed GHR expression. We found that insufficient intake of calories during pregnancy causes catch-up growth failure due to increased expression of miR-322 and decreased expression of GHR in the livers of offspring, and this effect is inherited by the next generation.

Female ponderal index at birth and idiopathic infertility.

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increased risk of developing non-transmittable diseases in adults subjected to adverse early developmental conditions. Metabolic and cardiovascular diseases have been the focus of most studies. Nevertheless, data from animal models also suggest early programming of fertility. In humans, it is difficult to assess the impact of the in utero environment retrospectively. Birthweight is commonly used as an indirect indicator of intrauterine development. This research is part of the ALIFERT study. We investigated a potential link between ponderal index at birth and female fertility in adulthood. Data from 51 infertile and 74 fertile women were analysed. BW was on average higher in infertile women, whereas birth length did not differ between the two groups; thus, resulting in a significantly higher ponderal index at birth in infertile women. Ponderal index at birth has been identified as a risk factor for infertility. These results suggest the importance of the intra-uterine environment, not only for long-term metabolic health but also for fertility.

Fetal malnutrition assessment program / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the application of ponderal index (PI), body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference/head circumference (MAC/HC), and Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status (CANS) score in assessing the nutritional status of neonates at birth, and to find a simple and reliable scheme for the assessment of fetal nutritional status.@*METHODS@#PI, BMI, MAC/HC, and CANS were used to assess the nutritional status of full-term infants and preterm infants shortly after birth. The assessment results of these methods were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Among the 678 full-term infants, 61, 102, 47, and 131 were diagnosed with malnutrition by PI, BMI, MAC/HC, and CANS respectively. Among the 140 preterm infants, 30, 87, 9, and 112 were diagnosed with malnutrition by PI, BMI, MAC/HC, and CANS respectively. The combination of BMI and CANS had a detection rate of 99.3% in full-term infants and 100% in preterm infants. Compared with the single method, the combination significantly improved the detection rate of malnutrition (@*CONCLUSIONS@#The combination of BMI+CANS can reduce the rate of missed diagnosis of fetal malnutrition. It is therefore a simple and reliable method for the assessment of fetal malnutrition.

The value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) parameters in analysis with fetal malnutrition neonates.

Objective To assess the association between fetal malnutrition (FM) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in singleton term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was performed with 4340 singleton, term AGA neonates without perinatal disease over a two-year period. Results A total of 4320 neonates were evaluated in this study. Those diagnosed with fetal malnutrition, 284 (6%) neonates, were compared with 150 healthy term AGA neonates. Gestational week, birth weight, birth height, head circumference, maternal age, last pregnancy weight, and status of income of the FM group were found to be lower when compared to the control group (P = 0.011). Low last pregnancy weight (P = 0.017) and low level of income (P = 0.042) were found to be factors that affect the presence of FM. The NLR and PLR were found to be significantly higher in the FM group compared with term AGA healthy controls. In correlation analyses, there was a negative correlation between the NLR and PLR with fetal nutritional status (P = 0.011 and P < 0.001, respectively). When the NLR level was taken as 4.51, the sensitivity and specificity of the test for FM were calculated as 81.2% and 80.8%, respectively [area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC): 0.81]; when the PLR level was taken as 155.4, the sensitivity and specificity of the test for FM were calculated as 87.0% and 85.4%, respectively (AUROC: 0.94). Conclusion Cord-blood NLR and PLR negatively correlate with term FM AGA neonates.

Central Hematocrit Levels in Fetal Malnourished Term Infants.

BACKROUND: Fetal malnutrition is especially important for common chronic diseases in adult life. They could potentially be prevented by achieving optimal fetal nutrition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate hematocrit levels of malnourished, term, appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 80 AGA neonates (between 10% and 90% percentiles interval according to birth week), born with spontaneous vaginal delivery between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, detected by both last menstrual period and ultrasonography measurements, were included in the study. Neonates with fetal malnutrition constituted the study group and the control group consisted of well-nourished neonates. We analyzed central venous hematocrit levels obtained 4 hours after birth and maternal risk factors for both groups. RESULTS: Although there were no differences in gestational age, head circumference, maternal factors (gravidity, parity, abortions and curettage counts, maternal tobacco use, preeclampsia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus, and history of urinary tract infections), first minute APGAR scores, and sex, Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status score was lower (29.91±2.87 vs. 21.25±1.65) and hematocrit levels were higher (51.33±2.740 vs. 59.53±5.094) in the fetal malnutrition group (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Central hematocrit levels in malnourished term AGA neonates were found significantly higher than well-nourished term AGA newborns.

Valoración clínica del estado nutricional fetal al nacer mediante el Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status score / Assessment of foetal nutrition status at birth using the CANS score

INTRODUCCIÓN: La malnutrición fetal (MF) traduce una pérdida o fallo de adquisición intrauterina de la cantidad adecuada de grasa y masa muscular, asociando connotaciones pronósticas a corto y largo plazo. Siendo el diagnóstico de MF esencialmente clínico, el objetivo de este trabajo es detectar la incidencia MF mediante el Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status score(CANS score), y comparar los resultados con los parámetros antropométricos clásicos. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo poblacional de recién nacidos a término entre 2003 y 2014 (n = 14.477). Se clasificaron en recién nacidos de peso adecuado, pequeño y grande para la edad gestacional. Se realizó el CANS score y se calculó el índice ponderal (IP) a todos los recién nacidos incluidos, considerándose MF los puntos de corte: CANS score < 25 e IP < 2,2 g/cm3. RESULTADOS: Mediante el CANS score el 7,6% (n = 1.101) de la población presentó MF, el 50,3% (n = 538) de los recién nacidos de peso pequeño para la edad gestacional, el 76,2% (n = 193) del subgrupo < p3 y el 4,67% (n = 559) de los recién nacidos de peso adecuado para la edad gestacional. El CANS score fue < 25 en el 7,26% (n = 1.043) de los recién nacidos con IP ≥ 2,2 g/cm3 (n = 14.356), y el CANS score fue > 24 en el 49% con IP < 2,2 g/cm 3 (n = 109). CONCLUSIONES: Es conveniente identificar todos aquellos recién nacidos con MF por los riesgos que pueden presentar a corto y largo plazo. La valoración mediante CANS score permite una mejor identificación del estado nutricional de los recién nacidos que empleando únicamente las curvas de peso según la edad gestacional

INTRODUCTION: Foetal malnutrition (FM) is the result of a loss or failure of intrauterine acquisition of the correct amount of fat and muscle mass, with short and long term implications. As the diagnosis of FM is essentially clinical, the aim of this study is to detect the incidence of FM using the Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status (CANS) score, and compare the results with the classic anthropometric parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective population of term infants was studied between 2003 and 2014 (n=14,477). They were classified into adequate weight (AGA), small weight (SGA) and large weight (LGA) for gestational age newborns. The CANS score was performed on all infants enrolled in the study, and the ponderal index (PI) was calculated, considering an FM cut off value of a CANS score <25 and PI < 2.2 g/cm3. RESULTS: Using the CANS score, 7.6% (n 1,101) of the population showed FM, 50.3% (n = 538) of SGA, 76.2% (n = 193) subgroup = 559) of AGA. The CANS score was < 25 in 7.26% (n = 1,043) of newborns with PI ≥ 2.2 g/cm3 (n = 14.356), and the CANS score was > 24 in 49% with PI < 2.2 g/cm3 (n = 109). CONCLUSIONS: It is worthwhile identifying all newborns with FM due to the risks they may have in the short and long term. CANS score assessment allows a better identification of nutritional status of infants than only using the curves of weight for gestational age

Customized versus Population-Based Birth Weight References for Predicting Fetal and Neonatal Undernutrition.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to construct a model of customized birth weight curves based on a Spanish population and to compare the ability of this customized model to our population-based chart to predict a neonatal ponderal index (PI) <10th percentile. METHODS: We developed a model that can predict the 10th percentile for a fetus according to gestational age and gender as well as maternal weight, height, and age. We compared the ability of this customized model to that of our own population-based model to predict a neonatal PI <10th percentile. Data from a large database were used (32,854 live newborns, from 1993 through 2012). Only singleton pregnancies with a gestational age at delivery of 32-42 weeks were included. RESULTS: In the entire pregnant population, the customized method was superior to the population-based method for detecting newborns with a PI <10th percentile (sensitivity: 55 vs. 40.96%; specificity: 99.6 vs. 91.23%; positive predictive value: 11.49 vs. 9.55%, and negative predictive value: 98.84 vs. 98.55%, respectively). In pregnant women with a BMI >90th percentile, the sensitivity was 75%, compared to 50% in the population-based method. In pregnant women with a height >90th percentile, the sensitivity was almost as high as in the population-based method (61.53 vs. 33.33%). CONCLUSION: The customized birth weight curve is superior to the population-based method for the detection of newborns with a PI <10th percentile. This is especially the case in women in the higher scales of height and weight as well as in preterm babies.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) Clinical Guideline #8: the fetus at risk for anemia: diagnosis and management

OBJECTIVE: We sought to provide evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of fetal anemia. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. The search was restricted to English-language articles published from 1966 through May 2014. Priority was given to articles reporting original research, in particular randomized controlled trials, although review articles and commentaries were consulted. Abstracts of research presented at symposia and scientific conferences were not considered adequate for inclusion. Evidence reports and published guidelines were also reviewed, and additional studies were located by reviewing bibliographies of identified articles. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology was used for defining the strength of recommendations and rating the quality of evidence. Consistent with US Preventive Task Force guidelines, references were evaluated for quality based on the highest level of evidence. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: We recommend the following: (1) middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) measured by ultrasound Doppler interrogation be used as the primary technique to detect fetal anemia; (2) amniotic fluid delta OD450 not be used to diagnosis fetal anemia; (3) MCA-PSV assessment be reserved for those patients who are at risk of having an anemic fetus (proper technique for MCA-PSV evaluation includes assessment of the middle cerebral artery close to its origin, ideally at a zero degree angle without angle correction); (4) if a fetus is deemed at significant risk for severe fetal anemia (MCA greater than 1.5 multiples of the median or hydropic), fetal blood sampling be performed with preparation for an intrauterine transfusion, unless the pregnancy is at a gestational age when the risks associated with delivery are considered to be less than those associated with the procedure; (5) if a fetus is deemed at significant risk for severe fetal anemia, the patient be referred to a center with expertise in invasive fetal therapy; (6) MCA-PSV be considered to determine the timing of a second transfusion in fetuses with anemia, and, alternatively, a predicted decline in fetal hemoglobin may be used for timing the second procedure; and (7) pregnancies with a fetus at significant risk for fetal anemia be delivered at 37-38 weeks of gestation unless indications develop prior to this time.(AU)

Static skinfold thickness in African newborns as an index of fetal nutritional assessment.

BACKGROUND: Fetal malnutrition (FM) has grave implications for the neonate and is reliably assessed by the CANSCORE which is time-consuming. Static skinfold thickness, a measure of adiposity, is a validated method of assessing malnutrition in older children. AIM: To establish if static skinfold measurements in neonates can serve as a reliable measure of FM. OBJECTIVE: To compare static skinfold thickness measurements in neonates using the CANSCORE for the identification of FM. METHOD: 252 consecutive term neonates delivered at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria had their CANSCOREs and static skinfold thickness measured within 24 hours of delivery. Using correlation and linear regression analysis, static skinfold thickness cut-off points for FM were determined using a reference CANSCORE of <25. RESULTS: Prevalence of FM was 20.2% and 26.2% using the CANSCORE and the sum of five skinfold thickness measurements, respectively. The mean (SD) skinfold thicknesses were triceps 3.91 mm (0.74), biceps 2.84 mm (0.55), subscapular 3.79 mm (0.91), supra-iliac 2.64 mm (0.62), quadriceps 4.43 mm (1) and the sum of all measurements 17.61 mm (3.16). All the skinfold thickness measurements correlated significantly with the CANSCORE, but the sum of the five had the best correlation. The quadriceps had the highest specificity of 85.6% and lowest sensitivity of 54.9%, while the sum of all had a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 84.0%. CONCLUSION: The sum of all five skinfold measurements might be a useful screening tool for FM in view of its objectivity, convenience and simplicity, but it is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to replace the CANSCORE in the identification of FM in neonates.

Thyroid function in pregnant women: iodine deficiency after iodine enrichment program.

OBJECTIVE: Significant changes in thyroid function occur during pregnancy which can complicate the interpretation of thyroid function tests. Therefore, normative gestational related reference ranges for thyroid hormones tests are required. The aim of this study was to determine the reference ranges for free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxin (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in Iranian pregnant women. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Akbarabadi University Hospital. A single blood sample from 584 pregnant women was analyzed for thyroid function. Serum levels of TSH, FT4, FT3, total T4 (TT4), T3 resin uptake (T3RU) and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO Ab) were measured. Urinary iodine was determined in some cases. Reference intervals based on 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated. RESULTS: The composition of reference population comprising 584 women included 162 in first trimester and 422 in the third trimester. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles values were used to determine the reference ranges for FT3, FT4, TT4, T3RU and TSH. These values were T3 1.4 and 2.9 pmol/L, FT4 7.1 and 18 pmol/L, TT4 7.2 and 13.5 µg/dL and TSH 0.5 and 3.9 µg/L, respectively. The level of urinary iodine in 80.5% of the subjects was less than normal. CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of thyroid hormones are different in Iranian population that could be due to racial differences or differences in iodine intake.

Iron in pregnancy: How do we secure an appropriate iron status in the mother and child?

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy are risk factors for preterm delivery, prematurity, and small for gestational age birth weight. Iron deficiency has a negative effect on intelligence and behavioral development in the infant. It is essential to prevent iron deficiency in the fetus by preventing iron deficiency in the pregnant woman. The requirements for absorbed iron increase during pregnancy from ∼1.0 mg/day in the first trimester to 7.5 mg/day in the third trimester. More than 90% of Scandinavian women of reproductive age have a dietary iron intake below the recommended 15 mg/day. Among nonpregnant women of reproductive age, ∼40% have plasma ferritin ≤30 µg/l, i.e. an unfavorable iron status with respect to pregnancy. An adequate iron status during pregnancy implies body iron reserves ≥500 mg at conception, but only 15-20% of women have iron reserves of such a magnitude. Iron supplements during pregnancy reduce the prevalence of IDA. In Europe, IDA can be prevented by a general low-dose iron prophylaxis of 30-40 mg ferrous iron taken between meals from early pregnancy to delivery. In affluent societies, individual iron prophylaxis tailored by the ferritin concentration should be preferred to general prophylaxis. Suggested guidelines are: ferritin >70 µg/l, no iron supplements; ferritin 31-70 µg/l, 30-40 mg ferrous iron per day, and ferritin ≤30 µg/l, 60-80 mg ferrous iron per day. In women with ferritin <15 µg/l, i.e. depleted iron reserves and possible IDA, therapeutic doses of 100 mg ferrous iron per day should be advised.

Fetal malnutrition and its impacts on neonatal outcome in preterm infants.

Fetal malnutrition is an important risk factor for both early and late neonatal outcome and adult diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence and characteristics of fetal malnutrition and its impacts on early neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm infants by using the clinical assessment of nutritional status score (CANSCORE). Preterm infants whose gestational ages were between 28-34 weeks were included in the study. Detailed prenatal and natal history, anthropometric measurements, and intrauterine growth status were defined, and CANSCORE was applied to all infants. Infants were separated into two groups according to total score as malnourished (total score < 25) and well nourished (total score > or = 25). Early and late neonatal morbidities, which were observed during the clinical progress, were noted in all infants. A total of 93 preterm infants were enrolled in the study. The incidence of fetal malnutrition was 54.8% (n = 51) in all infants. The incidences of maternal hypertension and preeclampsia, oligohydramnios and disturbed umbilical artery Doppler flow in the prenatal period and the incidences of neonatal hypoglycemia, polycythemia, feeding intolerance, and necrotizing enterocolitis in the postnatal period were significantly higher in preterm infants with fetal malnutrition. Fetal malnutrition contributes significantly to many early and late neonatal morbidities in preterm infants, and it should be identified in every preterm infant in the first days of life for predicting neonatal outcome, even though they are appropriately grown.

Iodine deficiency in pregnancy, infancy and childhood and its consequences for brain development.

Iodine deficiency during foetal development and early childhood is associated with cognitive impairment. Randomised clinical studies in school-aged children encountered in the literature indicate that cognitive performance can be improved by iodine supplementation, but most studies suffer from methodological constraints. Tests to assess cognitive performance in the domains that are potentially affected by iodine deficiency need to be refined. Maternal iodine supplementation in areas of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency may improve cognitive performance of the offspring, but randomised controlled studies with long-term outcomes are lacking. Studies in infants or young children have not been conducted. The best indicators for iodine deficiency in children are thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in newborns and thyroglobulin (Tg) in older children. Urinary iodine may also be useful but only at the population level. Adequate salt iodisation will cover the requirements of infants and children as well as pregnant women. However, close monitoring remains essential.

Detection of fetal malnutrition using "CAN score".

OBJECTIVE: Use of clinical assessment of nutrition status (CAN) score to assess the prevalence of fetal malnutrition among term newborns and to compare other anthropometric criteria used to assess fetal growth. METHODS: Prospective study of 529 term healthy newborns assessed using CAN score. Complete anthropometric assessment and determination of weight for gestation was done. Using CAN score as a standard, the usefulness of birth weight, weight for gestation, length, head circumference (HC), mid arm circumference (MAC), MAC/HC ratio and Ponderal index to assess fetal nutrition was determined. RESULTS: With a cut off value of 25, CAN score identified 148 (27.97%) malnourished neonates. 4% of appropriate for gestational age neonate were malnourished and 42.9 % of small for gestational age neonates were well nourished. When CAN score was taken as a standard, weight for gestation and MAC/HC had the highest sensitivity to identify malnourished neonates (92.5% & 90.5%). CONCLUSION: CAN score identifies malnourished neonates which can be missed by other methods and identifies well nourished neonates classified as growth retarded by other methods.

Prenatal nutritional deficiency and risk of adult schizophrenia.

Converging evidence suggests that a neurodevelopmental disruption plays a role in the vulnerability to schizophrenia. The authors review evidence supporting in utero exposure to nutritional deficiency as a determinant of schizophrenia. We first describe studies demonstrating that early gestational exposure to the Dutch Hunger Winter of 1944--1945 and to a severe famine in China are each associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia in offspring. The plausibility of several candidate micronutrients as potential risk factors for schizophrenia and the biological mechanisms that may underlie these associations are then reviewed. These nutrients include folate, essential fatty acids, retinoids, vitamin D, and iron. Following this discussion, we describe the methodology and results of an epidemiologic study based on a large birth cohort that has tested the association between prenatal homocysteine, an indicator of serum folate, and schizophrenia risk. The study capitalized on the use of archived prenatal serum specimens that make it possible to obtain direct, prospective biomarkers of prenatal insults, including levels of various nutrients during pregnancy. Finally, we discuss several strategies for subjecting the prenatal nutritional hypothesis of schizophrenia to further testing. These approaches include direct assessment of additional prenatal nutritional biomarkers in relation to schizophrenia in large birth cohorts, studies of epigenetic effects of prenatal starvation, association studies of genes relevant to folate and other micronutrient deficiencies, and animal models. Given the relatively high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, this work has the potential to offer substantial benefits for the prevention of schizophrenia in the population.

Comparison between CANSCORE and other anthropometric indicators in fetal malnutrition.

OBJECTIVE: Early detection of malnutrition in newborn babies is of major importance in order to prevent associated serious sequelae. Main objective of the study was to compare various anthropometric methods with Clinical assessment of nutritional status score (CANSCORE) in assessing fetal malnutrition. METHODS: Subjects were consecutive, live, singleton, full term neonates delivered in the hospital. The mean weight, chest circumference, mid arm circumference, and Ponderal index of babies and CANSCORE described by Metcoff were assessed and compared. RESULTS: A total of 442 term singleton live born neonates were assessed. They consisted of 228 [51.6%] males and 214 [48.4%] females. Eighty-three [18.8%] of the 442 babies had fetal FM. The mean weight, mid arm circumference, and Ponderal index of babies with FM were significantly lower than those of babies without FM (p < 0.0001). Though the mean head circumference and the length of the babies with FM were also lower, the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.50 and 0.79 respectively). However, using intrauterine growth standard alone, 41 (49.4%) of the 83 babies with fetal malnutrition would have been missed while Ponderal Index would also have missed 51 (61.4%) of the babies with FM. CONCLUSION: CANSCORE is likely to be very useful in the routine screening of babies for anticipatory care.

Medidas e índices antropométricos de recém-nascidos a termo com peso insuficiente / Anthropometric measures and indices of the term newborns weighing insufficient

Introdução: O recém-nascido de termo com peso insuficiente (2500 - 2999 g) apresenta fatores de risco para restrição do crescimento fetal, mas sua condição nutricional ao nascimento é pouco conhecida. Objetivos: Investigar se as medidas e índices antropométricos de recém-nascidos de termo com peso insuficiente mostram comprometimento do crescimento intra-uterino e avaliar sua utilidade como complementação da avaliação nutricional ao nascimento. Método: Estudo observacional, prospectivo, de corte transversal, no Conjunto Hospitalar de Sorocaba, incluindo 247 recém-nascidos de termo distribuídos em 3 grupos, conforme o peso de nascimento: grupo I Peso insuficiente (2500 a 2999g; n igual 106), grupo II Baixo peso (menor que 2500g; n igual 39) e grupo III Controle (3000-3500g, n igual 102). Foram avaliados medidas e índices antropométricos maternos e neonatais. Análise estatística: univariada e multivariada com modelos de regressão linear simples e múltipla, com significância em 5%. Resultados: Os parâmetros antropométricos maternos pré-gestacionais não se associaram com os dados antropométricos neonatais. Não houve correlação entre IMC materno e neonatal nos 3 grupos. A antropometria neonatal (peso; comprimento; perímetros cefálico, torácico e braquial; espessura de prega cutânea; perímetro braquial/perímetro cefálico; peso/ comprimento; perímetro cefálico/ comprimento; índice ponderalde Rohrer; IMC; área do braço; área muscular e de gordura do braço) diferiu nos 3 grupos, sendo GIII maior que GI maior que GII. A idade gestacional influenciou as medidas que refletem a incorporação fetal de músculo: perímetro braquial, área do braço e área muscular do braço, e não influenciou as medidas que traduzem depósito de gordura subcutânea, nem os índices de proporcionalidade corporal. A relação perímetro braquial/perímetro cefálico do grupo de peso insuficiente foi semelhante ao de baixo peso e diferente do controle...

Fatores de risco para ocorrência de restrição do ganho de peso extra-uterino de prematuros de muito baixo peso ao nascer / Risk factors for in-hospital undernutrition in preterm very low birthweight infants

A desnutrição em recém-nascidos prematuros de muito baixo peso ao nascer (MBPN) é um fenômeno universal e vem aumentando nas últimas décadas. A restrição do crescimento extra-uterino (RCEU) é um importante indicador do estado nutricional nestes pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores de risco para RCEU durante a internação hospitalar. Foi realizado estudo de coorte retrospectiva que incluiu 188 recém-nascidos MBPN adequados para idade gestacional (AIG), no período de 2002 a 2004. A análise constituiu-se em um modelo de regressão linear longitudinal de efeitos mistos, sendo observada a diferença na taxa de variação do peso para crianças com e sem RCEU na alta hospitalar. Oitenta e sete (46%) dos recém-nascidos incluídos no estudo apresentaram RCEU na alta hospitalar. Influenciaram a taxa de variação do peso ao longo da internação hospitalar: o menor peso ao nascer, sexo masculino, menor Apgar de 50 minutos, o maior escore CRIB; persistência do canal arterial, doença metabólica óssea, hemorragia intracraniana, displasia broncopulmonar e sepse. O maior tempo em oxigenioterapia, as transfusões sanguíneas, o uso de diurético, o maior tempo para atingir dieta plena e de uso de nutrição parenteral também foram preditores do crescimento. A desnutrição de recém-nascidos prematuros MBPN nas Unidades Neonatais é um problema freqüente e influenciado tanto pelo cuidado neonatal quanto pelas características individuais de cada criança.

Undernutrition in preterm very low birth weight infants is a major problem andit has been raising during the past decades. Posnatal weight gain restriction (PWGR) is an important nutritional indicator in these patients. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for PWGR during hospitalization. A retrospective cohort study was done and included 188 very low birth weight preterm and adequate for gestationalage infants, during 2002-2004. The analysis included longitudinal linear regression modeling, considering weight variation among children with and without PWGR at discharge. Eighty seven (46%) infants had PWGR at discharge. The following variables influenced (negative) weight variation during hospitalization: lower birthweight, sex, lower 5th minute Apgar, higher CRIB score, persistent ductus arteriosus, metabolic bone disease, intracranial hemorrhage, broncopulmonary dysplasia and sepsis. The longer oxygen exposure time, blood transfusions, diuretic use, the longer time to achieve enteral full feeding and of use of parenteral nutrition were also important growth predictors. Undernutrition among very low birth weight preterm infants is a frequent problem; it is influenced by neonatal care but also, by individual characteristics.

Fetal nutrition and adult hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and coronary artery disease.

The fetal-origins-of-adult-disease hypothesis describes an adaptive phenomenon of in utero reprogramming of the undernourished fetus that predisposes the infant to increased morbidity as an adult. Studies have identified a positive association between indicators of fetal undernutrition such as low birth weight and chronic adult diseases like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and coronary artery disease. Current research is focusing on determining other factors that may contribute to these chronic adult diseases.